7 in 7: Seven Disney World Resorts in Seven Days

Disney's Wilderness Lodge Overview

In its rustic splendor, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge celebrates turn-of-the century National Parks Service lodges that once were a destination in America’s great northwest. Architect Peter Dominick Jr. took his inspiration from these nature-centric accommodations and designed the beautiful 8-story, split-log lodge. Dominick is also responsible for the design of Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodgeas well as Disney's Grand Californian Resort in Anaheim.

As you enter the resort's cavernous lobby, four large tepee chandeliers hang overhead and two 55-foot high totem poles stand guard at the entrance. The multi-colored flooring was inspired by Northwest Native American designs. The magnificent 82-foot tall fireplace in the lobby is a recreation of the strata of the Grand Canyon. Over 100 colors in hues of green, magenta, buff, red, black and brown are visible, as are fossilized remains of prehistoric plant and animal life. From the Vishnu Schist to Bass Limestone to Tapeats Sandstone to the Redwall and Temple Butte Limestone and finally ending with Kaibab Limestone and Toroweap Formation, the fireplace represents 2 billion years of the time it took for the layers of rock to form.

A bubbling hot spring originates in the lobby and continues outside where it is transformed into a
roaring waterfall that "pours" into the swimming
area. Follow the path behind the pool area to Fire Rock Geyser - a
120-foot geyser that erupts hourly from 7am to 10pm.

Services and Amenities

Wi-Fi Service (complimentary wi-fi access in guest rooms, main lobbies and main pools)

Disney's Wilderness Lodge offers different kinds of accommodations to suit different tastes and needs, but the rustic charm of the rooms is what appeals to most guests. The décor of each room is composed of wood-carved furniture, earth tones and accents of woodland creatures. Glass-paned doors lead to a patio or balcony in each room. Room types range from standard rooms, bunk-bed rooms, Deluxe rooms (club level), Honeymoon Rooms, the Yosemite Suite (Vice-Presidential) and the Yellowstone Suite (Presidential). Wilderness Lodge is also home to the Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge - part of the Disney Vacation Club (Disney's timeshare service). While villas rooms are usually for DVC members, Disney also rents them out as hotel rooms, but we strongly suggest you consider 'renting' points from DVC members. This is done through the DVC Rent/Trade board on DISBoards.com, or via David's Vacation Club Rentals.

Standard rooms at the Wilderness Lodge come in several categories - standard view (which give you views of the service areas, rooftop or parking areas), woods view, woods view with bunk bed, courtyard view and courtyard view with bunk bed. The bunk bed rooms are understandably popular for families with younger kids, and can be more difficult to book during busier times of the year. Rooms come with either two queen beds or one king bed (bunk bed rooms come with 1 queen bed in addition to the bunks). Rooms have an alarm clock with mp3 player, mini fridge, ceiling fan, coffee maker with tea and Joffrey's coffee setup, hair dryer, safe, iron and ironing board, table and chairs, telephone, and television. As with many Disney resorts, the bathrooms at the Wilderness Lodge have a 'split' design - shower and commode in one room, with a split vanity outside the door. All rooms come standard with H20 shampoo, conditioner and body lotion. Full size versions of the toiletries are available for sale in the gift shop.

Note: Bed boards/rails and Pack 'n Play cribs are available upon request

Club level rooms (also known as concierge level) at the Wilderness Lodge are (mostly) located on the resort's 6th floor. Club level guests have access to the club lounge, also known as the Old Faithful Club. The club is open from 7am to 10pm and serves continental breakfast in the morning, light snacks in the afternoons, as well as hot and cold hors d'oeuvres in the evening. Dessert and spirits are also served later in the evening. There are two concierge cast members on duty throughout the day to assist guests with priority seating arrangements, the scheduling of FastPasses, and a host of other services.

One perk of staying club level is access to these cast members who can (sometimes) work miracles in arranging special events, and securing hard-to-get reservations. You are also entitled to free DVD rentals, turn down service and complimentary bathrobes (only to be used during your stay - if you take them with you, the resort will charge you for them). The club lounge area extends around the perimeter of the 6th floor, offering unique views of the lobby below. It is important to note that club level rooms do not differ significantly from non-club level rooms throughout the resort, but they command a premium of anywhere from $100 - $250 per night depending on the time of year and type of room. You are paying for the exclusivity, as well as access to the lounge and services provided.

TIP: As is the case with most fine dining, allot a lengthy period of time for your meal. The pace of this restaurant is slow so that the experience can be thoroughly enjoyed.

Whispering Canyon Café: Offering more than just skillets and sandwiches, the wait staff serves up crazy antics and good old-fashioned fun to each table. Expect a meal engulfed in a boisterous setting and be ready for a few pranks as well. Open for breakfast 7:30am-11:30am (platters, omelets, waffles and pancakes); Open for lunch 11:45am-2:30pm (platters, salads, sandwiches, chicken and burgers); Open for dinner 5pm-10pm (platters, a la carte menu options)

TIP: If you want to set the stage for a good laugh, ask your server for some ketchup.

Wilderness Lodge Pools / Recreation

The Silver Creek Springs Pool appears to be “spring fed” from the hot spring originating in the lobby. The pool itself is encompassed in a small forest of trees and rocks. The water-slide cascades down a rock formation, emptying out into the deeper end of the pool. There is also a hot tub and cold spa in addition to a kids' interactive water play area.

An additional quiet pool area is entirely separated from Silver Creek Springs Pool. It is located at the Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge. Pool towels are available in both locations.

A number of poolside activities are scheduled each afternoon. Ranging from chalk art to bingo, there is a broad spectrum of games and challenges for families to participate in while they enjoy the water area.

Disability Services (pool lifts and other access options)

Complimentary life jackets

Swim diapers required for children that aren’t toilet trained (swim diapers can be purchased in merchandise locations)

Outdoor Campfire and Movie: Each night there is a complimentary showing of a Disney film. Located on the beach, the feature film changes daily (consult recreation calendar given upon guest check-in for time and particular movie). This will be held in the Carolwood Pacific Room at The Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge during construction.

Guided Fishing Excursions: For a fee, an expert guide will host your group during a catch-and-release fishing trip in some of the lakes on Disney property. Available times are 7am, 10am, and 1:30pm. Reservations required (407) WDW-BASS or ask your Dreams Unlimited Travel agent for more information.

Teton Boat & Bike Rentals: Rent Sea Raycers, Boston Whaler Montauks, Sun Tracker pontoon boats, single rider bicycles and Surrey bikes. Reservations can also be made for a Specialty Fireworks Cruise for parties up to 10. (407) WDW-PLAY This is closed during construction, but bikes can be rented at Fort Wilderness in the meantime.

Wonders of the Lodge Art and Architecture Tour: An hour-long tour highlights the architecture and theme of the lodge as well as educates about the art, artifacts and classic craftsmanship that are featured throughout the lobby.

Electrical Water Pageant: Viewing area located on the beach

Magic Cookie Hour: With the purchase of a cookie, families have the opportunity to design and decorate their edible purchase.

Playground: Located near Teton Boat & Bike RentalsThis is closed during construction.

Note: The bus stop is adjacent to the Porte Cochere with buses departing approximately every 20 minutes. The boat dock is located adjacent to the Silver Creek Springs Pool with boats departing approximately every 20 minutes.

Spa and Fitness

Sturdy Branches Health Club

Open 24 hours with MagicBand or card access

Strength training and cardio equipment, saunas

Massage treatments and facials (with reservation)

Wilderness Lodge Services for Kids

Cub’s Den

Parents can enjoy time to themselves while their young ones play with their peers in a facility designed to entertain them for hours. Under adult supervision provided by the Wilderness Lodge’s childcare staff, kids will enjoy movies, toys, video games, board games, puzzles, books, arts and crafts, coloring, LEGOs and imaginative play.

Open from 4:30pm-12am (a late fee of $1 per child per minute will be charged for parents arriving after midnight)

Cost is $15 per hour per child with a minimum of 2 hours. Dinner is included.

Open to children between the ages of 3-12 (all children must be toilet trained)

Must be signed in and out by their parent or legal guardian

Beepers are available for guardians (a $39 fee will be charged for non-returned beepers)